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Which sub 200 usd DAC if using an integrated amp?

Hi! I would like to start by asking for your patience here as I am just a beginner in Hifi... but I am really willing to learn :)

I am thinking of ordering a DAC from AudioEngine named Audioengine D1. It is equipped with AKM4396, a sought after DAC chip.

However, I only have integrated amplifier. So it means the signal from my hard drive basically need to run through 2 pre amp (one from the DAC, one from the Inte Amp). Is it a bad thing and how will it affect sound quality?

Should it buy a HRT Music Streamer for 150 usd instead? It does not have volume control but it using PCM1793 D/A chip, supposedly inferior to AKM 4396.

Thank you very much for reading the post! I am really looking forward for your help!
bepositive

Showing 1 response by gumbydammit

gumbydammit
186 posts
 
Have you looked at the emotiva they have on special? I was VERY pleased with the results.
It also has a vol control, but when run wide open, it effectively takes it out of the mix as previously mentioned.

One other reason I would suggest this unit is the remote/switch setup it has.

If someone is thinking about upgrades down the road, they could use this as the preamp also. If you use a tuner, there are 30 dollar insignia HD tuners on ebay right now with digital outputs. In effect, you could have a complete digital system this way by purchasing a power amp.
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